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INFOFACTSRESOURCES

The Higher Education Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse and Violence Prevention

Sexual Violence and Alcohol and


Other Drug Use on Campus
This Infofacts/Resources describes the scope foreign object such as a bottle. Includes Characteristics of Sexual
of the problem of sexual assault on campus, attempted rapes, [female and male] Assault Incidents
perpetrator characteristics and situational victims, and [rape by individuals of the In 9 out of 10 cases reported in the NCWSV
circumstances that may make assaults more opposite sex and same sex]. Attempted rape survey, the victims knew the perpetrators.
likely to happen, and the role alcohol and includes verbal threats of rape.1 According to the survey, 12.8 percent of
other drugs, including rape-facilitating drugs, The NCWSV study found that 1.7 percent of completed rapes, 35.0 percent of attempted
play in sexual assault. This publication also college women had experienced a completed rapes, and 22.9 percent of threatened rapes
provides an overview of sexual harassment and rape and 1.1 percent an attempted rape in the took place during a date.1 Nearly 60.0
a sidebar on stalking on campus. While these seven months prior to the study. Projecting percent of on-campus rapes took place in
are complex problems, campuses fortunately these figures over an entire calendar year, the victim’s residence, 31.0 percent occurred
can take positive steps to address these issues. the survey’s authors concluded that nearly 5 in other housing areas, and 10.3 percent
This publication outlines a set of principles percent of college women might be victimized happened at a fraternity.1
and processes that institutions of higher annually and that up to 25 percent might be
education can implement to prevent and assaulted during their college years.1
mitigate sexual violence on campus. Causes and Contributors
Sexual assault is defined more broadly Sexual aggression is a complex behavior
than rape, as “the full range of forced sexual resulting from multiple causes. Many of
Scope of the Problem: acts, including forced touching or kissing; those who are victims of sexual assault
Sexual Assault on Campus verbally coerced intercourse; and vaginal, are made to feel that they were somehow
The term sexual assault encompasses a oral, or anal penetration.”2 Because sexual responsible for the assault, either through
continuum of behaviors from unwanted assault encompasses many behaviors and their behavior or appearance or by somehow
touching to rape. Definitions of rape and is widely underreported, the actual number inviting an assault to occur. In fact, the
sexual assault vary, with each state having its of sexual assaults on campus in a year is only victim characteristic that predicts
own legal definitions. The National College unknown, but the number is believed to be sexual assault is a previous assault. The
Women Sexual Victimization (NCWSV) study, large. victim-blaming mentality is unjustified and
a 1997 telephone survey of 4,446 women Sexual assault does not affect victims stands in the way of understanding the true
sponsored by the U.S. Department of Justice, only physically but also may leave lasting antecedents and determinants of sexual
defined rape as follows: psychological and emotional scars. Moreover, assault.
assaults affect the entire campus, not Sexual violence is a complicated interplay
Forced sexual intercourse including both just individual students. Sexual violence
psychological coercion as well as physical of individual, relationship, social, political,
compromises the integrity of the safe, and cultural factors. Researcher Alan
force. Forced sexual intercourse means welcoming environment campuses are
vaginal, anal, or oral penetration by the Berkowitz proposed an integrated conceptual
supposed to provide, impinging on the model of sexual assault that suggests that
offender(s). This category also includes academic and social success of all students.
incidents where the penetration is from a these incidents result from a combination
of perpetrator and victim socialization
For additional information experiences, beliefs, and attitudes toward
sexuality, the characteristics of the situation,
Higher Education Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse and
Violence Prevention and the perpetrator’s misperceptions of the
Education Development Center, Inc. http://www.higheredcenter.org victim’s intent.3
55 Chapel Street 1-800-676-1730; TDD Relay-friendly, Dial 711 Research finds that men’s likelihood of
Newton, Massachusetts 02458-1060 HigherEdCtr@edc.org • Fax: 617-928-1537 committing sexual assault is associated with

Funded by the U.S. Department of Education


August 2008 ☞
INFOFACTS
The Higher Education Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse and Violence Prevention ◆ http://www.higheredcenter.org

several individual-level factors.3-6 Personality average, at least 50 percent of sexual assaults perceive drinking women as more sexually
correlates include higher levels of general among college students involve alcohol use, available, for example, believing that women
aggression and impulsivity, and lower empathy. with exact estimates varying based on the study who have two or more drinks are more interested
Attitudinal factors include more traditional sample and methods.7 While alcohol and than other women in having sex.7 Intoxication
attitudes toward gender roles, higher levels of other drug use may by the victim can decrease her ability to resist
hostility toward women, greater acceptance assault effectively. This is especially true if a
Stalkin
of using force in relationships, beliefs that The NCW g victim becomes unconscious after
relationships are based on exploitation and SV survey drinking.7 Additionally, alcohol
“Has any asked stu
o ne d e nts
manipulation, and greater acceptance of “rape repeatedly —from a strange the following que use sometimes fosters a double
myths,” that is, false beliefs that victims enjoy fo ll o wed you r to a n ex-bo s ti o n : standard in which women are held
e-mailed,
assault, ask for or deserve rape, and lie or or comm , watched you, ph yfriend— more responsible, and men held less
seemed o u n on
exaggerate about victimization. bsessive a icated with you in ed, written, responsible, if an assault occurs.
nd made
your safety 1
?” you afraid other ways that
Interpersonal and situational dynamics The study or concer While the extent of campus sexual
fo u ned for
also play a role. For example, men and students h nd tha assault is alarming, recent research
women frequently interpret verbal and ad been s t 13.1 percent of th also finds that most college men are
school ye ta lked since e fe
nonverbal cues of sexual intent differently. ar. the begin male not coercive, do not want to victimize
In 10.3 pe ning of th
Men overestimate women’s interest in r c e n t e others, and are willing to be part of the
attempted o f the incid
s e x u a l ents, the s
them as sexual partners based on outward The NCW contac talker “fo solution to sexual assault. In surveys
signs, such as friendliness, attentiveness, SV found t.” rced or
across several campuses, for example,
stalkers. th at four in
Known pe fi v e v ic
and dress.7 Gender role socialization boyfriend r p e ti m a majority of men agreed with various
, ex-boyfr trators were most s knew th
eir
contributes to these dynamics. For or cowork 1 ie nd, classm fr eq statements about gaining consent for sex,
er. ate, acqu uently a
example, men may be socialized to Because s aintance, such as “I stop the first time my date says
friend,
believe that women initially offer behaviors talking is not one ‘no’ to sexual activity.” Similarly, the majority
, ca eve
“token resistance” to protect their What ma mpus stalking ma nt, but rather a ser of men surveyed indicated their willingness to
y appear y be diffic ies of
reputations but actually want to be such as re to b u lt intervene in potential sexual assault situations.
3, 8 peatedly a e simply bothersom to identify.
overcome sexually. unwanted sking for e attentio The exact percentage varied based on the
ph date n,
In addition, research suggests that sexual vio one calls, may esc s or frequently ma nature of the scenario.13
lence. Sta a kin
the dynamics of all-male groups that they lking ma late into physical o g
ha y ca r
can contribute to sexual assault extremely ve lost control of th use victims to feel
fearful. 22 eir lives a Rape-Facilitating Drugs
by creating a “groupthink” not realiz Su nd
e the unw rprisingly, many v to become In addition to alcohol, various other drugs
constitute a nted or th ic
environment that reinforces rape-
stalking, reatening tims may are used to facilitate rape. These include
are not re an be
supportive attitudes and fosters ported to d the majority of th havior may marijuana, cocaine, gamma hydroxybutyrate
campus o
r local law ese incidents
7,9
conformity. For example,
studies have identified peer enforcem 1 (GHB), benzodiazepines (including Rohypnol),
ent.
pressure to perform sexually and fear of “losing ketamine, barbiturates, chloral hydrate,
face” as factors that encourage participation be present in violent methaqualone, heroin, morphine, LSD, and
9, 10
in gang rapes. While misinterpretation, incidents, it does not justify or excuse other hallucinogens. Sometimes referred
socialization, and group dynamics contribute assault. to as “date rape drugs,” these substances
to sexual violence, they do not cause assault. Alcohol use may increase the risk of sexual may be taken knowingly or may be slipped
Ultimately, the perpetrator makes the decision to assault through several pathways. For example, surreptitiously into someone’s drink or otherwise
behave violently. drinkers may use alcohol as an excuse to given to an unsuspecting person who is then
engage in sexually aggressive behavior or as a assaulted. When combined with alcohol, as
coercive tactic to obtain sex. In addition, alcohol is frequently 14
the case, these drugs can lead to
Alcohol Use may result in increased misperceptions of the blackout.
Alcohol is a frequently cited situational woman’s sexual interest, decreased concern While alcohol is by far the most commonly
contributor to sexual violence. More than about her experience, or decreased ability to used rape-facilitating drug, Rohypnol and GHB
97,000 students between the ages of 18 and 24 evaluate accurately whether consent has been also are well known for their incapacitating
experience alcohol-related sexual assault or date obtained.7,12 Many men falsely believe that effects.15 Rohypnol, the trade name for
11
rape each year in the United States. alcohol increases sexual arousal and legitimates flunitrazepam, is used in some countries to15treat
Researcher Antonia Abbey reports that, on nonconsensual sexual aggression.7 Perpetrators insomnia but is illegal in the United States.
(Continued on page 3)
2
INFOFACTS
The Higher Education Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse and Violence Prevention ◆ http://www.higheredcenter.org

Rohypnol has many street names, such as while in coed residence halls. About 50 percent of In addition to a strong response to incidents,
“roofies.”15 The drug is inexpensive and widely women residents answered “yes” for at least one which is critical, a comprehensive approach
available through illicit sources.16 of these three categories. In addition, nearly 40 also will include complementary measures
Rohypnol makes users look and act as though percent had experienced unwanted social contact designed to prevent violence by decreasing the
they are intoxicated. Adverse effects include and 30 percent unwanted kissing or fondling.18 broad array of factors that contribute to violence.
disorientation, confusion, dizziness, drowsiness, Men living in residence halls also suffered Finally, violence prevention approaches can be
impaired motor skills, impaired judgment, and harassment. Almost half reported unwanted linked with other prevention efforts on campus,
unconsciousness.15 The result is that victims may sexual teasing and more than 20 percent working in concert to create a healthy, safe
be incapacitated and unable to resist a sexual experienced unwanted deliberate touching.18 environment.
assault. A common characteristic of offenders is a The following are examples of available
Since 1999, the manufacturer of Rohypnol tendency to underestimate the impact of their strategies across the spectrum of prevention,
has added blue dye to the tablets so the drug is harassment. The same study found that over early intervention, response, and advocacy. As
visible when dissolved in drinks. However, the 50 percent of these offenders believed that noted above, strategies should be selected based
clear-dissolving tablets are still available on the their behavior caused their victims no upset or on a detailed analysis of local conditions and
black market. distress, yet studies show that sexual harassment problems.
The effects of Rohypnol are felt within 30 has high costs for both individuals and
minutes after use and may persist for many organizations.18 Sexual harassment exists on the
hours. Rohypnol is very dangerous when mixed same continuum of violence as sexual assault, Examples of Strategies for
with alcohol or other depressants. Possible and has similar root causes. Research finds that Campus Sexual Assault and
adverse outcomes include difficulty breathing, sexual harassment is a result of the interaction Sexual Harassment Prevention
coma, and even death.15 of individual, organizational, and sociocultural Efforts to Prevent Sexual Violence
Victims who were given Rohypnol are factors. This underscores the need to address and Harassment
often uncertain whether they were assaulted. these problems through a combination of efforts, • Conduct education programs that convey
In addition to causing amnesia, the drug including education, training, policies, and accurate information, challenge unhealthy
metabolizes quickly and is undetectable 72 hours procedures.19 beliefs and attitudes, teach skills, and
after ingestion.17 Therefore, law enforcement encourage students to form healthy behavioral
officials may not be able to trace the drug in intentions.21 To be effective, these programs
those who were assaulted. Strategies for Institutions of should include multiple sessions and should
Available through illicit channels, GHB also is Higher Education encourage active participation. Because
known as “liquid ecstasy” and “liquid x.”15, 18 Sexual violence is a complex problem that research finds that separate gender programs
GHB may cause severe memory loss, disorientation, cannot be solved by a one-time program or a are more effective, sessions ideally should
dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, single department, nor is there a one-size-fits-all be held for separate genders, or, if coed,
breathing difficulty, seizure, unconsciousness, blueprint for successful efforts. Instead, prevention take gender differences into account. Teach
and coma. As with Rohypnol, the drug takes science suggests a set of principles and a process critical thinking and media literacy regarding
effect shortly after ingestion.15 that campus and community stakeholders can use cultural and media images that objectify
to guide their work.20 women and glamorize violence against
Specifically, campus administrators should women.
Sexual Harassment establish and support an ongoing, collaborative • Create systems for investigating and
As with rape and sexual assault, legal definitions process that brings together campus stakeholders addressing complaints of prohibited behaviors;
of sexual harassment vary from state to state, to examine local data; identify and set priorities create and disseminate materials explaining
as do campus policies addressing the problem. among local problems; target those problems to students, parents, and employees how to use
Sexual harassment, like sexual assault, can with a mix of strategies; and evaluate those the complaint procedures.
involve many types of behavior, including efforts. Strategies should include a combination • Implement programs and policies to support
unwanted displays of sexually explicit material, of programs, policies, and services that are healthy group norms, correct misperceived
suggestive looks or gestures, sexual teasing or coordinated and mutually reinforcing. Research norms, and promote safe and productive
comments, exposure, and deliberate touching or shows that coordinated and sustained activities are bystander intervention.
physical closeness.18 more effective than one-time programs. Ensuring • Create and enforce policies and laws that
One study of campus housing asked whether that multiple efforts are coordinated and synergistic convey a clear institutional stance against
students had experienced unwanted looks and is the most important way campus practitioners violence. Policies should comply with
gestures, sexual teasing, or deliberate touching can improve their initiatives against violence. applicable federal, state, and local laws and
(Continued on page 4)
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INFOFACTSRESOURCES
The Higher Education Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse and Violence Prevention ◆ http://www.higheredcenter.org

regulations, including Title IX and the Clery Efforts to Respond to Violence 8. Yeater, E.A., and W. O’Donohue. (1999). Sexual
Act. Support these efforts by training those • Develop and disseminate comprehensive Assault Prevention Programs: Current Issues,
charged with enforcing these policies. response protocols that clearly delineate Future Directions, and the Potential Efficacy of
• Reduce vulnerability to victimization. Note Interventions with Women. Clinical Psychology
available channels for reporting incidents and
that these types of efforts, unlike the other Review, 19(7), 739–771.
each responder’s responsibilities. 9. Schwartz, M.D., and W.S. DeKeseredy. (1997).
strategies listed, largely address stranger rather • Provide appropriate medical attention for
than acquaintance rape and therefore by Sexual Assault on the College Campus: The Role
sexual assault victims, including the use of of Male Peer Support. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage
themselves are insufficient to address campus sound evidence-collection techniques. Publications.
sexual violence. Examples include:
• Provide confidential crisis response and 10. Benedict, J. (1997). Public Heroes, Private
✓ Changing the physical environment,
ongoing victim advocacy services, including Felons: Athletes and Crimes Against Women.
including installing lighting, surveillance Boston, MA: Northeastern University Press.
support for decisions regarding legal and
cameras, and emergency call boxes; cutting 11. Hingson, R., et al. (2005). Magnitude of alcohol-
bushes; and increasing patrols in high-risk disciplinary actions; accompaniment
to hospital, law enforcement, and court related mortality and morbidity among U.S.
areas college students ages 18–24: Changes from
✓ Implementing escort services and self-
appointments; assistance with housing and
1998-2001. Annual Review of Public Health, 26,
defense classes academic issues; and referrals to on-campus 259–279.
• Implement comprehensive alcohol and other and community resources. 12. Marchell, T. and N. Cummings. (2001). Alcohol
drug (AOD) prevention programs, including • Provide strong sanctions for offenders and, if and Sexual Violence Among College Students.
individual and environmental strategies, appropriate, bystanders. In A. Ottens and K. Hotelling, Eds., Sexual
and ensure they are integrated with violence ✓ Create, disseminate, and follow through Violence on Campus: Policies, Programs, and
prevention efforts. While alcohol and other on clear conduct policies and disciplinary Perspectives, New York, NY: Springer Publishing
drug use alone do not cause violence, they processes. Company, Inc., 30–52.
can interact with other risk factors to increase ✓ Consistently enforce policies. 13. RAINN. (2005). RAINN’s Social Norms Poster
the likelihood of violent incidents. Therefore Campaign: Engaging Men in the Prevention of
Sexual Assault. Retrieved August 11, 2008, from
AOD prevention efforts are an important
References http://www.feminist.com/violence/vawnews12.html.
complement to sexual violence prevention
1. Fisher, B.S., F.T. Cullen, and M.G. Turner. (2000). 14. Seymour, R.B. (1999). Date Rape Commonly
efforts. Additionally, much of what has been Involves Use of Drugs, Alcohol. The Brown
The Sexual Victimization of College Women.
learned from AOD prevention efforts can be University Digest of Addiction Theory and
Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Justice,
applied to violence prevention. Examples Application, 18(1), 4.
National Institute of Justice.
include: 2. Abbey, A., et al. (2001). Alcohol and Sexual 15. American Council for Drug Education. [n.d.].
✓ Educational programs that describe the Basic facts about drugs: GHB and Rohypnol.
Assault. Alcohol Research & Health: The Journal
links between violence and alcohol and of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Retrieved August 11, 2008, from http://www.acde.org/
other drugs Alcoholism, 25(1), 43–51. common/GHB.pdf.
✓ Comprehensive campus policies addressing 3. Berkowitz, A.D., B.R. Burkhart, and S.B. Bourg. 16. National Women’s Health Information Center.
alcohol and other drug use and AOD-related (1994). Research on College Men and Rape. New (2004). Date rape drugs FAQ. Retrieved August
violence Directions for Student Services, 65, 3–19. 11, 2008, from http://www.4woman.gov/FAQ/
✓ Policies and practices prohibiting alcohol 4. Buddie, A.M., and A.G. Miller. (2001). Beyond rohypnol.pdf.
and other drug use as a justification or Rape Myths: A More Complex View of Perceptions 17. Santa Fe Rape Crisis Center. (2005). When
excuse for violence of Rape Victims. Sex Roles, 45(3–4), 139–160. Drugs Are Used to Rape: Rohypnol and Drug-
✓ Identification and targeting of on- and 5. Abbey, A., and P. McAuslan. (2004). A Facilitated Rape. Retrieved April 18, 2005, from
off-campus environmental contributors Longitudinal Examination of Male College www.sfrcc.org/drugs.html.
to high-risk alcohol and other drug Students‘ Perpetration of Sexual Assault. Journal 18. Cairns, K.V. (1994). Unwanted Sexual Attention
use, including high levels of AOD of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 72(5), in University Residences. Journal of College and
availability, failure to enforce laws and 747–756. University Student Housing, 24(1), 30–36.
policies, aggressive alcohol marketing 6. Zawacki, T., et al. (2003). Perpetrators of Alcohol- 19. O’Donohue, W., K. Downs, and E.A. Yeater. (1998).
and promotion, and misperceived norms Involved Sexual Assaults: How Do They Differ from Sexual Harassment: A Review of the Literature.
Other Sexual Assault Perpetrators and Nonperpetrators? Aggression and Violent Behavior, 3(2), 111–128.
regarding alcohol consumption
Aggressive Behavior, 29(4), 366–380. 20. Langford, L. (2004). Preventing Violence and
✓ AOD-free residence halls
7. Abbey, A. (2002). Alcohol-related Sexual Assault: Promoting Safety in Higher Education Settings:
✓ Programs to correct student misperceptions
A Common Problem Among College Students. An Overview of a Comprehensive Approach.
of peer support of alcohol-related violence Journal of Studies on Alcohol, Supplement No. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Education,
and vandalism 14, 118–128. Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools, Higher
(Continued on page 5)
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INFOFACTSRESOURCES
The Higher Education Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse and Violence Prevention ◆ http://www.higheredcenter.org

Education Center for Alcohol and Other Drug The Center offers resources for violence pre- National Sexual Violence
Abuse and Violence Prevention, 2–11. vention on campus at http://www.higheredcenter. Resource Center
21. Berkowitz, A.D. (2002). Fostering Men’s org/high-risk/violence. The Center’s Campuses http://www.nsvrc.org; 717-909-0710
Responsibility for Preventing Sexual Assault. and Other Drugs Web page includes resources on
Retrieved August 12, 2008, from The National Sexual Violence Resource Center
date rape and club drugs, found at http://www.
http://alanberkowitz.com/articles/responsibility.pdf. is a comprehensive collection and distribution
higheredcenter.org/high-risk/drugs.
22. Kirkland, C.J. Campus Stalking. California center for information, statistics, and resources
Coalition Against Sexual Assault. (2002). Campus related to sexual violence useful for anti-sexual
Stalking. Retrieved August 11, 2008, from assault coalitions, rape crisis centers, allied
http://new.vawnet.org/Assoc_Files_VAWnet/ Other Organizations and Internet organizations, community projects, policy-
CALCASA-CampusStalking.pdf. Resources makers, government entities, media, educators,
health care providers, and others working to
Arizona Rape Prevention and address and eliminate sexual assault.
Resources Education Web Site
http://www.azrapeprevention.org; 602-364-1495 Security On Campus, Inc.
Office of Safe and Drug-Free http://www.securityoncampus.org;
Schools (OSDFS) The site includes rape and sexual assault
1-888-251-7959
U.S. Department of Education statistics, citations for evaluation tools, research
http://www.ed.gov/osdfs; 202-245-7896 materials on more than 30 rape-related topics, Security On Campus, Inc. (SOC), a nonprofit
lists of books and films related to sexual violence grassroots organization, educates students,
OSDFS supports efforts to create safe schools, and prevention, contact information for state parents, and the campus community about the
respond to crises, prevent alcohol and other drug sexual assault coalitions, and basic information prevalence of crime on campus and assists victims
abuse, ensure the health and well-being of stu- to help survivors of sexual violence access and their families with guidance pertaining to
dents, and teach students good character and citi- services. laws, victims’ organizations, legal counsel, and
zenship. The agency provides financial assistance access to information. SOC also fosters security
for drug abuse and violence prevention programs improvements through campus community
and activities that promote the health and well- Office for Civil Rights, initiatives and provides effective procedures and
being of students in elementary and secondary U.S. Department of Education programs to reduce alcohol and other drug abuse.
schools and institutions of higher education. www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/index.html;
www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/archives.html;
The U.S. Department of 1-800-421-3481 This publication was funded by the Office of
Safe and Drug-Free Schools at the U.S. Depart-
Education’s Higher Education These sites offer resources on sexual harassment ment of Education under contract number
Center for Alcohol and Other Drug and hate crimes, and includes the publication ED-04-CO-0137 with Education Development
Abuse and Violence Prevention Protecting Students from Harassment and Center, Inc. The contracting officer’s representative was
http://www.higheredcenter.org; 1-800-676-1730; Richard Lucey, Jr. The content of this publication does
Hate Crime: A Guide for Schools. not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S.
TDD Relay-friendly, Dial 711
Department of Education, nor does the mention of trade
The Higher Education Center offers an integrated names, commercial products, or organizations imply
Minnesota Center Against endorsement by the U.S. government. This publication
array of services to help campuses and communi- Violence and Abuse also contains hyperlinks and URLs for information
ties come together to identify problems; assess http://www.mincava.umn.edu; 612-624-0721 created and maintained by private organizations. This
needs; and plan, implement, and evaluate alcohol information is provided for the reader’s convenience.
and other drug abuse and violence prevention This organization maintains an electronic The U.S. Department of Education is not responsible for
programs. Services include training; technical clearinghouse on the World Wide Web, controlling or guaranteeing the accuracy, relevance,
assistance; publications; support for the Network with access to thousands of Gopher servers, timeliness, or completeness of this outside information.
Further, the inclusion of information or a hyperlink or
Addressing Collegiate Alcohol and Other Drug interactive discussion groups, newsgroups,
URL does not reflect the importance of the organiza-
Issues; and evaluation activities. The Higher Web sites, and a directory of federal and tion, nor is it intended to endorse any views expressed,
Education Center’s publications are free and can private funding sources that support violence or products or services offered. Published 1997; revised
be downloaded from its Web site. prevention programs. September 2005; latest update August 2008.

5
Our Mission
The mission of the U.S. Department of Education’s Higher
Education Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse and
Violence Prevention is to assist institutions of higher
education in developing, implementing, and evaluating
alcohol, other drug, and violence prevention policies and
programs that will foster students’ academic and social
development and promote campus and community safety.

How We Can Help


The U.S. Department of Education’s Higher Education Center offers an integrated array
of services to help people at colleges and universities adopt effective prevention strategies:
• Resources, referrals, and consultations
• Training and professional development activities
• Publication and dissemination of prevention materials
• Assessment, evaluation, and analysis activities
• Web site featuring online resources, news, and information
• Support for The Network Addressing Collegiate Alcohol and Other Drug Issues

Get in Touch
Additional information can be obtained by contacting:
The Higher Education Center for
Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse and Violence Prevention
Education Development Center, Inc.
55 Chapel Street
Newton, MA 02458-1060
Web site: http://www.higheredcenter.org
Phone: 1-800-676-1730; TDD Relay-friendly, Dial 711
E-mail: HigherEdCtr@edc.org

Funded by the U.S. Department of Education

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